Women Advocacy Workshop (Kitui, Kenya)

INTRODUCTION
Kenya is a changing country with much promise for the future. New systems of government and new organizations are evolving with devolution. With the new constitution in place people now have more opportunities than ever before to become involved in the decision making processes which affect their lives. The act of advocating can open new spaces for participation in the development process.

Advocacy is therefore a necessary tool to possess if people are to make full use of opportunities ahead in the wake of the new system of governance and devolution as enshrined in the new constitution.
There are many different ways to advocacy; though the discussions will focus on advocacy directed at changing the policies, positions or programs of any type of institution, advocacy is not limited to decisions that are made through open, organized and formal systems of governance. Advocacy can be applied to situations in which decision-making is informal, adaptive, opaque or even secluded.

Wherever change needs to occur, advocacy has a role to play. Whether you want more funding for a clinic, new programs to address child malnutrition or even laws to make primary schooling more accessible advocacy can help you accomplish your goals.
COMPOSITION OF THE GROUP
• Women leaders holding different levels of office in the public & private sector - from village to County level.
• Women leaders holding both elective and nominated positions in the county legislative assembly.
• Council of elders
• Youth
• Religious leaders – Both Christian and Muslims
• Young women in colleges
• Government officers – Police, Personnel in the County Administration (Governor, Deputy Governor, Chiefs, Sub Chiefs, Village elders)
• Teachers

OBJECTIVES
In this meeting we will:-
1. Seek to understand the concept of advocacy as it applies to women living and working in Kitui.
2. Discuss the basic elements of advocacy currently in use today.

THE MEETING
The meeting